Mockingbirds have long been the subjects of songs, literature and even movies. When an early December snowstorm brought the first Mockingbird I had seen to my backyard feeders, I was curious to find more information about these popular birds.
Some Facts about the Mockingbird
From Miriam Webster dictionary I learned that Mockbirds are" a common grayish North American bird (Mimus
polyglottos) related to the thrashers that is remarkable for its exact
imitations of the notes of other birds."
I did some more research using Wikipedia and All About Birds online and the National Geographic book "Backyard Guide to the Birds". Here are some additional facts I discovered.
I did some more research using Wikipedia and All About Birds online and the National Geographic book "Backyard Guide to the Birds". Here are some additional facts I discovered.
- Mockingbirds are a New World group of passerine birds. (Passerines are distinguished from other birds by the arrangement of their toes-three forward and one back-which helps them in perching)
- They are best known for their habit of mimicking other birds, insects and amphibians.
- There are actually 17 different species of Mockingbirds.
- Only the Northern Mockingbird is normally found in North America.
- Mockingbirds are well known for their fun personalities of mimicking other birds songs.
Mockingbird in Music
As I was researching Mockingbirds, I kept coming up with song lyrics and music with references to the bird. Here is one of the most popular ones, a lullaby sung by many top musical artists. Here is the first line.
Hush,
little baby, don't say a word. Papa's gonna buy you a mockingbird And
if that mockingbird won't sing, Papa's gonna buy you a diamond ring.
Mockingbird in Literature
I found several references to the Mockingbird in books. The most famous is a Pulitzer-prize winner by Harper Lee.
Another book I found with a reference to Mockingbird in the title, is this fun sounding book on cocktails. The books teams up various classic books with a cocktail.
Another book I found with a reference to Mockingbird in the title, is this fun sounding book on cocktails. The books teams up various classic books with a cocktail.
I took the three photos of the Mockingbird about a month ago and I have not seen the birds since. I'm hoping they come to visit my backyard again soon.
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